For Art's sake

According to Abdul Remland Tapsi, a graduate of UP Fine Arts, "Part of the requirement to sustain art, other than passion, is for you to have money. It's a dilemma and as much as you don't want to be affected, you would still be."

Artists like Abdul Tapsi find it difficult to sustain their artistic pursuits such as drawing, painting, sculpture, et cetera, because the income that they earn out of the mentioned forms of art are not enough. Abdul admits to taking other jobs, like making posters and doing graphic arts, just to be able to have money in his pocket.

Noel Cabangbang, also a graduate of UP Fine Arts, said, "Mapugos nalang ug pangita ug trabaho ang mga artists nga dili related sa ilang curso. Unemployed pod ang kasagaran." (Artists are forced to look for work that is not even related to their course. Most of us are also unemployed.)

This prompted artists here in Cebu to meet and form an organization not only to address issues like this but also to find ways to look after their needs at the same time contribute to the growth of local culture. With these goals in mind, ANDRES was born.

"In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help change this." - Ernst Fischer

Andres is composed of young visual artists, musicians, poets, writers, thespians and the like who are based in colleges and universities in Cebu. "The group consists of students who are also active at school; it imposes a dual role --- that of a diligent student and a cultural advocate. Maintaining this is like riding a horse, one must know how and when to rein in or out," said Babaylan Honorides, a former Andres member. To uphold the principle of the organization, artist members immerse themselves in the environment of their subjects, from laborers in the city, farmers in the countryside, to other people in their respective communities, and find inspiration in their struggles and experiences and translate them into their art.

Last July 30, Andres organized a concert called "LibrE" which advocated free education as a right and not a privilege. The concert was held at the U.P. A.S. building graced by bands from the Andres organization like the Paltik, Himlaya and Balde ni Allan. They also had guests like the ethnic band Mungkanghan and the Bisrock band "Missing Filemon" who performed their songs that have been getting major airplay in radio stations in the city. Proceeds of the concert will be used to help finance the upcoming activities of Andres. The organization is also planning on holding a health advocacy concert and exhibit after they are through with their ongoing series of workshops for shadow play, an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque figures in front of an illuminated backdrop.

Rizza Del Castillo, chairperson of Andres, said, "It is hard to finance our activities for it is hard to sell our kind of art in contrast to mainstream art." But Andres has remained undeterred by this reality, and has since partnered with other organizations to fund their activities like Fardec, CARE (Cebu Alliance for Renewable Energy), SPFTC, Health and so much more.

Job fair exhibits form part of the activities of Kawani, another organization that started from Andres. One of the job fair exhibits was recently held at Kahayag Café, featuring very impressive paintings and drawings of various Kawani members using different mediums like charcoal, oil paint, crayons, water color, among others.

Once part of the Andres organization, Kawani was formed in order to cater to the young professional artist's interests. Kawani member Clifford Remolador pointed out that the students of Andres and the young professionals of Kawani differ in approach and treatment of issues facing artists.

"Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso

Kawani (local term for worker) is made of young professional artists who advocate social realism in art. Social realism in art, as embraced by Kawani, is characterized by a conscious effort to expose the true conditions of society through the scientific observation of objective reality and the subsequent offering of solutions. Moreover, Kawani recognizes that young professional artists make up a significant sector in the society and that they can contribute significantly to Filipino people's historic struggle for social equity and economic emancipation.

Despite disparities, both organizations have nevertheless attained a lot in terms of mounting events and activities. But Del Castillo reiterated, "It is a challenge for both of these organizations to find funding for their activities. It is also hard for them to get a particular artist to be involved since there is so little money to gain from these activities for them to carry on their art."

Even in the face of such a challenge, Del Castillo maintained that they are not lacking in efforts to revive or sustain art. "While these two organizations have had their share of misunderstandings and misinterpretations in and out of the organization, Andres and Kawani are also always challenged to help artists develop their craft. These organizations face these obstacles with unity, determination and perseverance."

For more information on Kawani, check out their friendster account "kawani makabayan." To know about the upcoming activities of Andres, check the website http://andrescebu.multiply.com/ or e-mail them at [email protected]. You could also contact Rizza Del Castillo through this number 09102032042.